Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders -

House Minority Leader Libanan delivers powerful contra-SONA: Demands action on poverty, inflation, education, health, and political reforms

Tacloban City–House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan on Monday delivered a hard-hitting Contra-SONA, commending select achievements of the Marcos administration but warning that many Filipinos are still left behind. Speaking before his colleagues in the House of Representatives, Libanan stressed that statistics alone do not reflect the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens. “While we welcome the President’s appeal for unity, genuine unity must be rooted in meeting the people’s most urgent needs—not in political convenience,” Libanan said. He acknowledged the administration’s focus on economic growth, infrastructure, and social programs, but said these gains “must be felt at the grassroots, not just measured in numbers.” Citing official data, Libanan noted that while poverty incidence dropped from 18.1 percent in 2021 to 15.5 percent in 2023, nearly 17.5 million Filipinos remain poor. More striking, he pointed to a June 2025 SWS survey showing that 49 percent of Filipino families still consider themselves poor, highlighting the deep disconnect between…

AFTER RANDOM DRUG TESTS, Mayor Kerwin files raps vs municipal gov’t men, officers found drug users

by Miriam G. Desacada Albuera (Leyte) –Mayor Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa filed charges against personnel of the Albuera Municipal Government who tested positive for drug use during a random drug testing of municipal workers, upon orders of the town mayor, early this month. The Mayor’s Office stated: “This action is part of Mayor Rolan Espinosa’s firm commitment to ensuring a drug-free workplace in the Municipality of Albuera, upholding integrity and discipline in public service.” On its social media account, the Mayor’s Office declared: “Mayor Rolan E. Espinosa has officially filed a formal charge for Grave Misconduct against personnel of this municipality, following the findings of a preliminary investigation conducted by the Investigating Committee,” in connection with the results of the random drug tests. There was no mention, however, of how many underwent the drug tests, and how many of them tested positive, but among those subjected to the drug tests were municipal employees, department heads, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members, and even…

NGCP Strengthens Grid Readiness with Annual Blackout Drills

NGCP Eastern Visayas Tacloban City–The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) recently conducted its annual Blackout Drills to improve grid response capabilities in case of large-scale power outages or system disturbances. The drills were held separately for the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids, with the theme “Blackout Readiness: Strengthening Response Capabilities.” Key Highlights: NGCP’s Objectives: By conducting these annual Blackout Drills, NGCP aims to ensure grid readiness and reliability, ultimately providing a stable power supply to the country. One of NGCP’s main functions as the country’s transmission operator is to constantly enhance operational efficiency of power transmission network operations, particularly that of System Operations.

𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑 𝟖 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

Tacloban City-A total of 3.8 million pieces of bangus fry with were produced in the first semester of 2025 by the Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center (GMFDC) in Eastern Samar and the Laoang Multi-Species Hatchery (LMSH) in Northern Samar—achieving 131% of the annual production target of 2.9 million fry ahead of schedule. The produced bangus fry have been distributed to the Jiabong Aquaculture Production Technology Center (JAPTC) in Samar and the Regional Brackishwater Aquaculture Production Center (RBAPC) in Northern Samar, which will serve as nurseries until the fry reach the 75-day fingerling stage. Once reared into quality bangus fingerlings, these will be distributed to fish cage beneficiaries of BFAR-8 under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, the regular livelihood projects of the Provincial Fisheries Offices (PFOs), and private sector fish cage operators availing of the Stock Now, Pay Later scheme. This breakthrough accomplishment is expected to provide a steady supply of quality bangus fingerlings to support local aquaculture,…

𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑-𝟖 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐏𝐒𝐃𝐏 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐲𝐭𝐞

Tacloban City–Pushing forth the expansion of seaweed production areas in Eastern Visayas, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 8 (BFAR-8), through the Enhanced Philippine Seaweed Development Program (EPSDP), conducted a program orientation and site visit in Dawahon Island, Bato, Leyte on July 24-25, 2025. The session brought together Provincial Fisheries Officers (PFOs) and seaweed nursery caretakers from across the region to align strategies, strengthen technical capacities, and coordinate the rollout of seaweed production expansion initiatives in the six (6) provinces of Eastern Visayas—Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar. Participants also took part in the replanting of 15 metric tons of seaweed propagules on the island, which is expected to yield approximately 45 metric tons of seaweed, forecasted to significantly contribute to the continued growth of seaweed production in Dawahon. “As of now, our island has 300 hectares of potential areas for seaweed expansion,” shared Mr. Ruel Inoc, one of the region’s top seaweed producers.…

𝗕𝗶𝗣𝗦𝗨 & 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗘𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗰 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲

by Lorenzo Dela Cruz Naval Biliran-The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Ormoc City solidified their commitment to transforming educational leadership through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 31, 2025. This milestone marks the official launch of Project EXCELLED – School Leaders Institute (SLI), a pioneering initiative aimed at strengthening the capabilities of current and aspiring school leaders in Ormoc City. In his message , BiPSU President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, expressed profound gratitude to DepEd Ormoc City, particularly Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Carmelino P. Bernadas, Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Lorelei C. Masias, and focal persons Dr. Ana Liezel C. Villaver and Dr. Abel S. Dayandayan. He also commended Dr. Ana C. Calles, Dean of BiPSU’s School of Graduate Studies, and Dr. Artemia L. Leoberas, Chief Education Supervisor, for their instrumental roles in shaping the program. “It is a privilege to stand with you in this important milestone,”…

CSC Calls on Civil Servants to Join Nationwide Coastal Clean-Up this September

Tacloban City–As part of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA), the Civil Service Commission (CSC) is calling on the more than two million government officials and employees to take part in the National Coastal Clean-Up this September. The clean-up drive, a joint initiative with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), is integral to both agencies’ continued partnership aimed to promote environmental stewardship through community engagement and coastal ecosystem protection.By protecting biodiversity and mitigating flooding, the clean-up helps safeguard local communities. Removing debris from shorelines and waterways improves drainage, while restoring natural buffers like wetlands and mangroves enhances coastal resilience by absorbing floodwaters and reducing storm impact. These efforts also support the planned establishment of local tree sanctuaries nationwide, contributing to long-term ecosystem restoration and community sustainability. Specific schedules and venues will be coordinated and announced by CSC Regional Offices in partnership with the DENR. Interested individuals may also contact their respective CSC Regional Offices for further details.This…

Building Trust: Ensuring Transparency in Eastern Visayas Flood Control Initiatives

by Roel Montes TACLOBAN CITY — At least PHP53.36 billion in funds have been allocated since 2023 for the implementation of 700 flood control projects in the Eastern Visayas region, which will be subject to monitoring as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Data obtained by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) from the Regional Development Council (RDC) showed that of the total projects, 435 have been completed, 216 are ongoing, and 49 have not yet started as of June 2025. These projects are being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office and its 14 district engineering offices across six provinces. Based on the report presented by DPWH during the 2nd quarter RDC-Infrastructure and Utilities Development Committee meeting, some PHP13.35 billion was set aside in 2023 for 232 flood mitigation projects. Only five are ongoing, while the rest have been completed. In 2024, the region got a PHP26.57 billion outlay to build 286 flood control…

Oxfam Pilipinas, PKKK launch Care Connect in Biliran

Naval Biliran–The Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK), together with the Government of Canada, Oxfam Canada, and local organizations, launched the Care Connect project in Biliran on July 24, 2025, emphasizing the need to recognize care work as real work and institutionalize care programs and policies at the local level. The project seeks to promote the recognition, redistribution, and reduction of unpaid care work in the country. Care work refers to activities that support the well-being of others—such as childcare, eldercare, and household tasks—often performed by women and girls and are essential to society and the economy. Jeanette Kindipan-Dulawan, Oxfam Pilipinas Gender Justice Portfolio Manager, emphasized the collective vision of the project. “Ang care work ay hindi lang obligasyon ng babae—ito ay responsibilidad nating lahat. Sa pagtutulungan, mas makakabuo tayo ng lipunang may malasakit at pagkakapantay-pantay.” (Translation: “Care work is not just a woman’s obligation—it is everyone’s responsibility. By working together, we can better build a caring and equal…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
Local
July 30, 2025
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Data turnover of 24 Community Based Monitoring System ( CBMS) in Southern Leyte

Maasin City–The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Regional Statistical Services Office VIII, in collaboration with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Anahawan, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Liloan, City of Maasin, Macrohon, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, Saint Bernard, San Francisco, San Juan, San Ricardo, Silago, Tomas Oppus, and Limasawa, as well as the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Southern Leyte, successfully conducted the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Data Turnover Ceremony (DTC) held at Southern Leyte Provincial Coliseum, Barangay Asuncion, Maasin City.The formal turn-over of the 2024 CBMS datasets to all LGUs in the province is a historic achievement for Southern Leyte. Chief Statistical Specialist (CSS) Eutemio A. Llevado, Jr. and Supervising Statistical Specialist (SuSS) Elissa P. Carbonilla led the ceremonial turnover with the support of CSS Mae R. Almonte of the Statistical Operations and Coordination Division, PSA – RSSO 8. The well-attended ceremony was graced by Vice Governor Rosa Hon. Emilia G. Mercado, DICT Provincial Head Ms. Marian C.…